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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACIA?We are a non-profit organization that brings together cultivators, dispensary owners and patients in Arkansas. We help patients connect with medical cannabis-positive doctors, do what we can make sure medical cannabis laws in Arkansas are effective and fair and educate as many people about medical cannabis, whether they be in the industry, law enforcement, patients, skeptics or other.

Is medical cannabis legal in Arkansas yet?
The issue passed a public vote in 2016. The program is in the process of being implemented. Cultivators have received licenses and dispensaries will be awarded licenses before 2019. Growing and selling operations should be up and running by early 2019.

My Registry ID card was approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. When will I receive my Card?

Your Medical Marijuana Registry Identification Card will be issued approximately 30 days prior to Medical Cannabis becoming available for sale by Dispensaries in Arkansas. The Department of Health will coordinate with growers and distribute cards at the appropriate time. Your card will be valid for one year from the issue date, or less than one year if your physician specifies a shorter time on your certification form.

Once cards have been issued, you will have the option of printing a copy directly from the Arkansas Department of Health website.

Should I wait to get my certification now that the Cannabis program has been delayed by legal challenges?

While the cannabis program in Arkansas has been delayed due to legal challenges, there is no reason to wait on getting your card. In fact, you avoid the flood of applications we expect as cannabis becomes available by applying for your card now. Applying now will also add another person to a growing patient list and show state regulators the need to quickly make cannabis available. Patient voices were the driving force in passing Issue 6, we believe that patients will also play a role in speeding up the current legal delays. Getting your card now is one way to make your voice heard.

As cards will not be issued until Cannabis is ready to be sold and the expiration date on your ID card will not start until that time, you can go ahead and get certified without fear of paying for a card you can’t use. While you may be hesitant to spend money on certifications or registration fees with uncertainty surrounding the program, the amendment has passed, and medical cannabis is coming. If you are eligible and are planning to see a physician for certification, there is little benefit in waiting.

Consult our Doctor Locator if you are searching for a physician that is open to cannabis certifications.

Will my information remain confidential?

Yes, all records kept by the Arkansas Department Health Medical Marijuana Section are confidential. This information is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act and is not subject to disclosure. Law enforcement will have the ability to confirm only the validity of an ID card. When your card expires, the legal protection offered by the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act is expired. Submit your renewal application to maintain your legal protection!

From the AR Department of Health: “A visiting qualifying patient may obtain marijuana from a dispensary with completion of a visiting patient form and producing evidence of his or her registry identification card or its equivalent that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States.”

How do I get a job in the industry?

The ACIA is very passionate about connecting people who want to work in the medical cannabis industry with industry professionals. The ACIA is not hiring, but we will host events that are designed for networking with industry professionals. We will also be launching a jobs board in the near future, which will be posted on our website: ARCannabis.org